Air Force COOL is a pathway for enlisted Airmen to earn industry recognized professional certifications, licenses to enhance their active-duty work, and to prepare them as they transition to the civilian job market.
Credentialing has two purposes. First, it continues to professionalize the enlisted force by providing up-to-date industry-recognized credentials in an airman’s AF job. Second, it provides a way for airmen to prepare for civilian life by ensuring that they are ready for work in the civilian sector. There are many aspects to credentialing including certifications and licenses.
AF COOL contains a variety of information about credentialing and licensing. AF COOL can be used to:
- Get background information about civilian licensure and certification in general and specific information on individual credentials including eligibility requirements and resources to prepare for an exam.
- Identify licenses and certifications relevant to Air Force Specialties
- Learn how to fill gaps between Air Force training and experience and civilian credentialing requirements.
- Learn about resources available to Airmen members that can help them gain civilian job credentials.
Credentialing requirements information on AF COOL includes information specific to enlisted AFSCs. Individuals seeking credentialing information for civilian occupations can use the following U.S. Department of Labor Web site:
AF COOL also has a Search Credentials section that allows Airmen to look at all credentials for all enlisted AFSCs. While Airmen can only receive tuition assistance on approved credentials, Airmen can view other occupations they may have an interest in for future planning. Search results will include the certifications and licenses related to those AFSCS and other information such as related civilian occupations. Airmen can also search by civilian career area, credential name, and credentialing agency name.
For frequently asked questions click here
- 1) Log in to your AFVEC account, click on Education Programs and then select AF COOL.
- 2) Navigate to the AF COOL homepage and explore the credentials you may be qualified for.
- 3) Select the credential you wish to pursue through the AF COOL program. (NOTE: You can sort the credentials via funding method, i.e., AF COOL, GI Bill, etc.).
When you open each credential, you will see the following tabs:
- Summary
- Eligibility
- Comments
- Exams
- Other
- Related Occupations
Once you found the Credential you want to pursue, fill out the Credentialing Eligibility Letter with the Credentialing Agency that you will be using.
Once you found the Credentials you are interested in, click Create Education Goal.
On step 2, you are required to upload a letter from your Credentialing Agency stating you are eligible to take the exam(s). You will also need to upload any other supporting documentation that is listed on your eligibility tab within your Credential. Failure to upload required supporting documentation will delay or disapprove your tuition assistance requests.
In your AFVEC account, locate your AF COOL goal and click “Apply for Funding”. Follow the prompts to complete the funding request application. You will need the following information.
- Exam Center (provided by the credentialing agency’s website) TIP: enter the first word of the exam center and click “Search” – one or more options may appear (i.e., “Pearson” for Pearson VUE)
- Cost for exam including admin fees (contact the credentialing agency and request an invoice to assist you with your funding request, if you haven’t already done so)
- Testing Window – AF COOL has recently changed its testing window from 30 to 120 days. If you are testing outside of the AFVEC system’s 120-day window, continue to fill out the request, then email the AF COOL CPO with the anticipated testing date at the information listed below; a counseling note will be placed in your Education File to verify that you have contacted the CPO
Once you complete the funding request, an email will be sent to your supervisor who will review the request and approve or disapprove it. You will be notified via email once this action is completed.
Once the supervisor approves your funding request, it is then electronically routed to the AF COOL office which will make the payment on your behalf. The CPO / Purchase Agent will contact you through phone or email should they require any changes to be made prior to payment. (NOTE: Funding requests are processed on a First- In, First-Out basis. There are exceptions to this policy for ANG and AFRES members; you must contact the AF COOL CPO to inquire about these exceptions). Your patience with this process is appreciated.
Once you complete the funding request, an email will be sent to your supervisor who will review the request and approve or disapprove it. You will be notified via email once this action is completed.
After you take your exam, please provide the AF COOL office with a copy of your grade and / or your Certificate of Completion. Failure to report grade may require reimbursement of gov’t cost. You can upload your grades to your supporting documentation on your AF COOL goal and email AF COOL office at CCAF.DEAO.AFCOOL@US.AF.MIL
Let the AF COOL office know you have uploaded your grade on your AF COOL goal. Once your grade(s) are updated and you complete your Credential, you will be sent a voluntary End-of-Course survey which will be used to assist the AF COOL office in providing a better service for future applicants.
